By James McManus

The 23-year-old has again stated his goal is to play as a striker this season after being pushed out wide to accommodate Olivier Giroud against Brendan Rodgers' side

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has reiterated his desire to play through the middle once more after finding the back of the net during the club's 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

The 23-year-old netted his 18th goal of the campaign against Brendan Rodgers' side after helping to mount a second-half comeback from two goals down, comfortably making him the Gunners' top goalscorer this season.

Nevertheless, with Olivier Giroud also in a fine run of form and being granted an extended opportunity to impress in a central striking role, Walcott knows he must bide his time before he becomes the club's first-choice attacker.

"You must play to your strengths and if you are against slow centre-backs, play me," Walcott told The Sun.

"I think the manager knows what's best for the team, I do as well. Arsene Wenger has shown that faith in me and given me the chance to play up front recently.

"Hopefully I've shown him something Arsenal haven't had in recent years. In the long term I want to be a striker but it won't happen overnight."

The draw sees Arsenal remain four points behind north London rivals Tottenham in the race for Champions League qualification, with Andre Villas-Boas' men also dropping two points away at Norwich.